At the restaurant, Lee stayed with the car, and we were ushered to the rear of the dining area. Heads again turned when Marissa walked past. My sister held a striking pose with her white-blonde hair and curve-hugging dress. She thrived on attention. Always had.

In a private room, Feng and another man drank amber-colored whiskey at ten thirty in the morning. Both stood and Feng introduced John Rudder to me, a sandy-haired man with boyish features and startling blue eyes.

“You weren’t kidding,” Rudder said. “Shelby’s gorgeous.”

I thanked him with my best “I’m impressed” smile. We were seated, and the games began.

Casual conversation dominated behind closed doors. A server delivered wine for all of us and took our food orders.

The talk continued during brunch until Marissa placed her utensils crosswise on her plate. “Ready for business?”

“You’re such a coldhearted woman.” Feng gave her a dimpled grin.

“But I have an affair with money.”

“And me?”

She patted his hand. “You are my priority. Oh, I’d like a word in private before we discussed John’s offer.”

“Take all the time you need.” Rudder waved them away. “Gives me a few extra moments to get acquainted with Shelby.” He opened the door to their small room and requested their server. She stepped inside. “I’d like more wine. My—”

“You’ve had enough,” Feng said. “We have business to discuss.”

“You’re telling me how much to drink?”

“John—” Marissa pointed to me—“take Shelby’s wine. She doesn’t want it, right?” She smiled at Feng. “Is that okay?”

“Yes, but not more.”

I set the glass in front of John. His glassy eyes indicated his advanced alcohol level.

The server disappeared with Marissa and Feng. Rudder moved his chair closer to me. “For an ex-con, you steal the show.”

I feigned a smile. “I assume that’s a compliment.”

“Always. I’ve been with the best. Makes me wonder what it would have been like to share a cell bunk.”

“I’m sure we’d have kept the guards occupied.” I paused. “Who told you about prison?”

“Feng. You pulled the trigger on Marissa’s husband, but she didn’t mind.”

I tilted my head. “True.”

“Dangerous women intrigue me.”

I propped my chin in my hand. “Are you a dangerous man?”

“Some think so.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss across my lips.

I despised what I was doing. But I’d made a vow and I’d play the part.

“Do you really never drink?”

“Learned the hard way when I was younger. I want to be aware of what’s happening at all times.”

“Your preference could be a plus.” He pointed to my wine. “You really don’t want this?” He slurred his words. “I hate to see it go to waste.”

“It’s all yours.”

He took a sip. “What are you doing later?”

“John, I’m picky. Very picky.”

“What’s not to like about me?”

“I’m worth more than another name on a long list.”

He smirked. “We’ll see. Marissa trusts you. She never brings anyone to a business meeting.”